Pope Francis on March 17, 2013, gesturing as he delivers his Angelus prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican. (Domenico Stinellis)

(Newser)
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In his first foreign policy address as pope, Francis today called for more dialogue with Islam and offered an olive branch to China and other countries that don't have diplomatic relations with the Holy See. The occasion was an audience with ambassadors from the 180 countries that have diplomatic relations with the Holy See, in which Francis explained he would work for peace, for the poor, and to "build bridges" between peoples. He noted that even his title "pontiff" means bridge-builder. Francis said it was important to intensify dialogue among different religions, "particularly dialogue with Islam," and to deepen the church's outreach to atheists.

Benedict had made improving relations with China a priority, given the millions of faithful who belong to China's underground Catholic Church, but tensions remain, particularly over the appointment of bishops. China insists on naming them, while the Vatican says only the pope can name bishops. China congratulated Francis for his election but said establishing formal relations would depend on the Vatican cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan and ceasing activities Beijing considers an interference in its internal affairs—a reference to bishops' appointments.

if dis here dumbazz pope guy reaches to far out to islam he will lose his hand very fast! he is after all the infidel!

donwine

Mar 23, 2013 8:18 AM CDT

Trying to control politics of the world leaders and other religions is not "proselytizing." They (the governments) will tolerate it just so much and then turn on these clergy of all the churches who wanted to call the governments their friend. The news is a great way to watch and see how this plays out. (See it first at Revelation 17:1-8)

I_hate_to_say

Mar 22, 2013 3:07 PM CDT

Who knew "Il Papa" was a Muslim, not to mention a closet godless pinko Commie. Next I expect the Latino interloper will be launching a world wide apology tour, and bowing down to Saudi potentates and the Japanese emperor. Did they check his long form birth certificate before releasing those puffs of white smoke?